Bird Walk at Sukhna Dam, Chh. Sambhajinagar (MH)
- Chh. Sambhajinagar
- 9 November, 2025
- Abhiram and Sushant
About Sukhna Dam
Nestled in the semi-arid expanse of central Maharashtra, the Sukhna Lake/Dam near Aurangabad is a serene ecological refuge that blends utility with natural charm. Built as a small irrigation structure, the reservoir now forms an important aquatic ecosystem surrounded by scrublands and agricultural fields. The lake attracts a wide range of birdlife, from resident species such as herons, egrets, and kingfishers to seasonal migrants including storks and various ducks, making it a quiet hotspot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its waters also sustain freshwater fish and amphibians, while the surrounding vegetation provides habitat for reptiles, small mammals, and pollinators.
Beyond its biodiversity, Sukhna Lake plays a vital role in local livelihoods by supporting agriculture and acting as a source of water for nearby villages. The lake’s calm environment has made it a favored spot for morning walkers, students, and families seeking respite from Aurangabad’s urban bustle. In recent years, community-led efforts and eco-awareness drives have highlighted the importance of conserving this fragile wetland, especially as pressures from encroachment and pollution grow. Much like a living classroom, Sukhna Lake invites visitors to witness the harmony between people and nature while underlining the need to safeguard freshwater habitats in dryland regions.
Partnered with
Bird Guide - Sushant Pawar
A math educator and public policy professional with a deep love for birds and nature. Birdwatching has brought a constant joy in his life for over six years, and its his way to stay connected with nature. He always wanted to contribute to conservation, and believes that even small, consistnet efforts like observing and documenting birds can make a difference.
Bird Guide - Abhiram Khekale
UI designer with a deep appreciation for nature. A lifelong lover of Hindustani Classical music and a flautist, he recently found himself drawn to birds and their quiet presence in the natural world. Birding has become a way for him to stay connected with nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Dam in Aurangabad hosts a remarkable diversity of wetland and woodland birds, making it a vibrant hotspot for birdwatchers. The reservoir attracts large flocks of waterbirds such as Black-winged Stilts, Painted Storks, Black-headed Ibises, and Indian Pond-Herons, while elegant waders like Green Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, and Common Sandpipers forage along the shallow edges. Egrets and herons, including Gray Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, and Great Egret, add to the spectacle, while Little Cormorants, Indian Cormorants, and Glossy Ibises highlight the lake’s rich aquatic habitats. Ducks such as the Indian Spot-billed Duck and winter visitors like the Ruddy Shelduck further underline the site’s role as a seasonal refuge.
Complementing these wetland specialists is a colorful mix of terrestrial and arboreal birds that thrive in the dam’s surrounding scrub and fields. Species such as the Red Avadavat, Baya Weaver, Indian Robin, Ashy Prinia, and Rufous-tailed Lark animate the grasslands, while Common Mynas, House Sparrows, and Eurasian Collared-Doves frequent the settlements nearby. Raptors and open-country birds like the River Tern, Black Drongo, and Long-tailed Shrike can also be observed, while the arrival of migrants such as Wood Sandpiper and Paddyfield Pipit reflects the dam’s importance along seasonal flyways. With charismatic residents like the Indian Peafowl, White-throated Kingfisher, and Purple Sunbird, Sukhna Dam offers an impressive blend of wetland, woodland, and migratory species in one dynamic landscape.
Black-winged Stilt
Painted Stork
Black-headed Ibis
Indian Pond Heron
Common Myna
Eurasian Moorhen
Grey Heron
Grey-headed Swamphen
Red-vented Bulbul
Ashy Prinia
Indian Pied Starling
White-throated Kingfisher
Red-wattled Lapwing
Asian Koel
Grey Francolin
Baya Weaver
Indian Robin
House Sparrow
Purple Heron
Common Myna
Summary of Walk
A lively group of 18 bird enthusiasts gathered at Sukhna Dam, Chandigarh for an exciting and educational bird walk led by Abhiram and Sushant. The scenic wetland came alive with activity as participants recorded an impressive 71 bird species and captured 30 stunning photographs, all of which were later uploaded to eBird. Notable sightings included a group of Lesser Whistling Ducks, Savanna Nightjar, Wood Sandpiper, and Asian Openbill, among many others.
Throughout the walk, participants learnt the art of bird identification through observation of plumage, calls, and behavior, while engaging in insightful discussions about birdwatching and conservation. Abhiram and Sushant shared fascinating stories and field experiences, making the session both informative and memorable. The walk concluded with participants feeling inspired and eager to continue exploring the diverse birdlife around Sukhna Dam.
Number of Participants
0
